Outdoor notes

SWAN COUNT IS DOWN

An aerial survey last week by the Division of Wildlife Resources confirmed something swan hunters suspected: There are fewer swans this fall in Utah.

The mid-morning survey on Nov. 8 found a total of 18,306 swans on the Great Salt Lake's eastern marshes. Last year at this time, more than 27,500 swans were spotted.

Most of the swans were seen on the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge west of Brigham City. More than 2,500 swans were spotted on the private Bear River Hunting Club east of the refuge.

"I'm not sure why the migration is slower this fall," said Tom Aldrich, migratory game bird coordinator for the DWR. "I still think there's a good chance that hunters who drew a swan permit will have a decent hunt." The swan season ends Dec. 11.

TELEFAIR TOUR COMING

Riders of all types can participate in this year's expanded TeleFair Tour. Now in its eighth year, the tour includes telemark skiing clinics, snow kiting clinics and free use of equipment to participants.

Instruction is provided by some of the nation's best telemark skiers and snow kiters. First-time participants can learn on a new generation of equipment. Advanced individuals can learn techniques on powder skiing, bumps, airs, snow kiting and backcountry touring. All equipment, including telemark skis, boots, poles and kites, is provided free to TeleFair participants. Discounted lift tickets also are available. Cost is $60 per day, and each participant will receive instruction at two clinics.

TeleFair 2005/06 kicks off Dec. 6 and 7 at Brighton. A complete schedule of events and more detailed information is available at www.telefair.com.

MTN. DELL GEARING UP

The Utah Nordic Alliance (TUNA) is seeking volunteers to help groom trails and snow at Mountain Dell golf course during the winter season. The daily rate is $5 and an unlimited season pass is $60 — $50 for TUNA members, $45 if paid by Dec. 1. For more information on nordic opportunities or cross country ski schools in Utah, contact TUNA at 461-9000 or check out its Web site at www.utahnordic.com.

WINTER SURVIVAL TIPS

With colder weather only days away, it's never too early for backcountry skiers and snowmobilers to review emergency measures if caught outdoors. These tips are provided courtesy of Conrad Anker, a Bozeman-based mountaineering pro, in the December issue of Skiing magazine: